Novo Futuro, a photographic exhibition by Gary Van Wyk

About Event

It is a deep honour to invite you to the opening night of Novo Futuro, a photographic exhibition by Gary Van Wyk. This is the first time Gary is exhibiting this body of work, which documents the Huni Kuin people of Novo Futuro village in Acre State, in the Brazilian Amazon. Made over time, in relationship and with trust, these images offer an intimate portrait of a people and a way of life rooted in the forest. On opening night, we are blessed to be joined by the Huni Kuin spiritual leader, Ninawa Pai da Mata, who will share traditional Huni Kuin music and sacred chants. It is a rare opportunity to be in the presence of living tradition, in a room filled with the images that honour it. **The evening also serves as a fundraiser for Novo Futuro village. All ticket sales and patronage donations go directly to the Huni Kuin in support of their ongoing projects. To attend is to take part in that work.** **The exhibition will run until 6 November 2026.** **Tickets** **Adult Ticket**: R350 **Patron Ticket**: give as you feel called. For those who wish to offer more than the ticket price, in an amount of your choosing. Every contribution goes directly to the village. **About Gary van Wyk** Gary van Wyk's photography sits at the intersection of photojournalism, portraiture and personal documentary. His Cape Town roots, his curiosity about people and his commitment to genuine human connection are at the heart of his distinctive style. His career began in 2003, when, still a photography student, he interned at Independent Newspapers and was soon hired as a full-time press photographer. Since then his work has taken him from Cape Town to Nepal, New York, the Caucasus and the Amazon rainforest, and he has photographed figures including Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Oprah Winfrey. What sets his work apart is his ability to connect with the people in front of his lens. Rather than creating formal portraits, he captures personality, emotion and unguarded moments, shaped by a photojournalist's instinct for the decisive moment and for working with sensitivity in difficult circumstances. He came to particular prominence as principal photographer for Season 3 of 21 Icons, portraying a new generation of South African figures in vibrant colour. His personal projects are equally significant: Private Public explored the boundary between public and private life, and Transparent used double exposures on colour film to reveal the layered character of Cape Town. More recently, Gary has turned his lens to indigenous communities and environmental issues, including ORCKA's conservation work in Namibia, the Nama people of the Richtersveld in the award-winning documentary Out of Mined, and his ongoing documentation of the Huni Kuin of the Amazon. [Gary van Wyk's official photography website](https://www.garyvanwykphotography.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **About the Huni Kuin people:** The Huni Kuin, “True People,” are an Indigenous people of the Amazon, living across 12 territories along seven rivers in Brazil and Peru. Despite decades of persecution, they have kept their language, Hãtxa Kuin, and many ancestral traditions alive. Their knowledge and way of life are deeply connected to the forest, rivers, plants and animals. Through rituals and celebrations they continue to honour their ancestors and their relationship with nature. The Huni Kuin are living through a time of great importance. They come to the West to raise awareness of their people and the threats facing their communities and the forest, and to share their message of love, joy and wisdom for the greater good of humanity. Their message speaks of “Xina Bena,” a new time of reconciliation between humans and Mother Nature. Through awareness and solidarity, they hope to help protect the forest, its people, their sacred traditions and the medicines passed down through generations.